Monday, December 18, 2017

There was a wonderful Christmas Spirit as we gathered in Dawn's home for our annual Book Club Christmas Party. The book for discussion was TheAutobiography of Santa Claus as told to Jeff Guinn (I highly recommend this wonderful story which leaves everyone who reads it, a Believer).

I wore my new Chico's pleated cardigan. I LOVE IT. It is my new "go to" piece for all occasions. I wore it with my monochromatic pairing of black turtle neck and black slightly bell bottom velvet pants. I can't wait to wear it with Levis and a fun blouse.

It's the subtle (but stunning) details that make this lightweight, long-sleeve cardigan anything but ordinary: the light shimmer and that beautiful pleated hemline. You can buy it right now, right here with a Click. If you hurry you can purchase it during Chico's 40% everything sale.

My shoes are a recent purchase since I still can't negotiate high heels. They have a one inch heel and double ankle strap. The Pasha Pump is from JustFab and can be found here

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Once a year, for ten days, Las Vegas becomes "Cowboy" because it is the

National Finals Rodeo

The Cowboy Christmas returns to Las Vegas with more wares to keep even the most avid shopper entertained. Over 440,000 square feet of show floor hosting 400 plus vendors from across the United States and Canada showcase their unique products which include: customized jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and pottery, as well as providing the best source for the Official Wrangler NFR and PRCA merchandise.

There is no way that I am going to pass up a "shopping event"

For my "shopping" attire, I have mixed a little cowgirl with an animal print. My blouse is from Chico's, here is a similar at Nordstrom CLICK

My sweater is pulled from my closet and is from Ralph Lauren, I found a very similar oneCLICK It's shawl collar and button front with ribbed cuffs is perfect over the Leopard print.

My pants are from J Jill. They are a few years old, but they have a similar straight leg cut here:CLICKI love the way

J Jill pants fit, the rise is about 1 inch below the natural waistline so they fit comfortably without slipping down.

My boots, MIA Joshua Bootie, are from last year, but DSW shoes have some great ones this year.

Monday, December 11, 2017

I'm in my western mode. I'm loving this long tiered lace skirt and denim jacket. I pulled the skirt from my closet. It's a favorite that can be worn in a variety of ways.........today I have chosen a western look since I am still feeling "cowgirl" due to the rodeo in town this week.

And I can't say enough "good" about my red boots.

The denim jacket is from the Reba Collection and is a few years old. I love the detail...... large silver buttons, piping around all edges, hand sewn embroidery detail and silver studs.

Did you notice my silver Zuni Indian Fetish necklace? My fetish necklace is made of small silver animals. Each animal depicts a type of luck, power or protection. Fetish necklaces are worn for healing, spiritual guidance and protection purposes.

I purchased my necklace many years ago when I was a college student working at a lodge near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is one of my prized possessions.

Did you notice my silver belt buckle? It was purchased in (and has the date on it) 1985 at the NFR Rodeo Finals.

Def: Cowgirl Up - "Cowgirl Up" is the female version of the old rodeo warning call, "Cowboy up."This cry from the chute meant that the rider was seated on the bronco or bull and was ready for the gate to open. Over time, the expression came to mean that someone was ready and able to tackle some huge challenge. In some cases, it is even used as a verb: to cowboy up, meaning to be prepared physically and mentally for some difficult or dangerous undertaking. "C'mon, cowboy up for the job; you can do it!"Cowgirl wisdom:

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Did any of you watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a
few nights ago? One hour of over the top
costumes intermingled with some A-list musicians. The venue was Shanghai, China. Perhaps a smart move considering that I have
heard that the lingerie market of China will soon double that of the United
States. The perfect size two models
demonstrate the fact that Victoria is not interested in broadening the idea
of what is ultra feminine.

In my opinion the models were NOT scantily clad. If you wanted to see that, you needed to
watch the 2017 Miss Universe Bathing Suit competition on the 26th of last month.

The costumes overpowered whatever lingerie the models were
wearing. They were encrusted with gold, jewels, beading and feathers. The hours of hand work and cost of materials
was obviously of no concern. Shoes and
thigh length leg coverings were something to see, but not necessarily wear. The many "angel wing" interpretations of gold, silver, feathers, flowers and sparkles were bedazzling. To me the bejeweled Angels were a sight to
behold and

one hour of eye entertainment.

In reading the
reviews, the highlight of the evening was the slip and fall of the Chinese
model Ming Xi. The show is not televised
live, so why wasn’t the unfortunate
incident cut from the televised show? According to the Washington Post, “for producers, a model falling down is TV gold”.

(I did not include a picture of the "fall")

For whom is the fashion show extravaganza targeted? I’m not sure, but an estimated 800 million
people watched. Is it as relevant today as
it has been in the past? Only YOU can
answer that question.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Transition from Fall to Winter in this classic plaid collared button front shirt.

The shirt tail hemline is tunic length making it perfect for skinny jeans and leggings. Preppy style button front and long sleeves make it an easy to wear addition to your wardrobe.

The 100% Rayon fabric is both comfortable and easy care.

(NOT a new hairstyle..... the wind is blowing!)

The Merona brand classic shirt is well made and has some details that indicate above average construction.

The dress shirt sleeve placket is extra narrow with one button:

The pockets are cut on the bias, are mirrored and nicely stitched:

There is a nice pleat in the back below the yoke and the yoke is cut on the bias:

The one feature that screams....."This is not Ralph Lauren" are the side seams which are not perfectly matched.

When determining a price point for an article of clothing, the time involved with cutting and construction are taken into account.Bias cut yoke and pockets take less time and use less fabric.The "unmatched" side seams indicate less time spent with cutting and sewing.

I have paired my new shirt with Girlfriend ankle jeans from Chico's

These sublimely soft jeans with a slight stretching fabric and classic clean fit are my favorite. Mine are from last year and I can't find them in pink any longer, but here they are in a variety other colors.

Meet Jill

I’m Jill and I’m way past 50!Fashion has always been a large part of my life. I began sewing when I was twelve and finished as a community college adjunct professor in their Fashion Program.I’ve always been aware of the latest trends. I wore the mini skirts, hot pants, bell bottoms and granny dresses of the 70’s and continued to wear every new fashion trend until I realized that as I’ve grown older, I need to be more selective, completely eliminating some trends and altering others.I’m not a model, but I am an educator. My goal in writing this Blog is to share some fashion concepts, help us better understand what we can do to look our best and BE our best.I hope that I never grow so old that I lose my enthusiasm for Fashion! After all……………..Fashion is what separates us from the rest of the Animal Kingdom!